Prosecutors: Gang rivalry led to Auburn attack

Alleging that a gang rivalry led to an attack, King County prosecutors have filed felony assault charges against a 42-year-old Auburn man.

In court documents, prosecutors assert that Anthony “Pee Wee” Archuleta, Sr. attacked one teenage boy he believed to be part of group of youths who had shot his son years earlier.

The teen told police he was already afraid for his safety when he was approached by Archuleta and several others alleged members of a Sureno street gang set active in the area at the Auburn Transit Center, 110 Second St. S.W.. Archuleta allegedly cornered the boy nearby and punched him, police contend. The teen responded in kind, striking Archuleta in the head.

Momentarily stunned, Archuleta drew a revolver, police claim. It was not clear to investigators if Archuleta fired on the teen, who had turned and run after seeing the pistol.

According to court documents, the boy asserted a close friend of his had been shot by Archuleta’s son earlier this year in reprisal for an earlier incident in which Archuleta’s son was shot. Prosecutors say Archuleta referenced the earlier shooting while making threats against his intended victim.

“If I catch him on the street I’m going to shoot him,” Archuleta allegedly said, according to prosecutors’ claims. “I’m going to make sure he’s dead … not like (the earlier victim).”

Police go on to assert that Archuleta is the namesake of the Pee Wee Surenos street gang active in Auburn.

Archuleta has been charged with second-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm. He was booked into the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center two days after the Aug. 26 incident and remains confined on $50,000 bail.